Tour Price & Tour Itinerary for 10 Nights 11 Days Hiking Tour

Overview of tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Short Acclimatization Hike to Tango Monastery,overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 3:Thimphu-Hike through Lungchutse Nature Trail -Punakha,overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha Sightseeing & Punakha-Phobjikha, overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Day 5: Phobjikha Lontey Hike,overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Day 6 : Phobjikha sightseeing & Phobjikha-Thimphu, overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 7: Hike to Phajoding Monastery & further to Thuje Drak lakes, overnight at Thimphu

Day 8: Thimphu-Paro sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 9: Hike to Bumdrak Monastery & Explore Bumdrak, overnight in camping at Bumdrak

Day 10: Hike from Bumdrak to Paro via Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery),overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 11: Fly out of Paro

Detailed tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Paro-Thimphu:Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hour

Altitude at Thimphu:2300 m

Arrive Paro. After immigration formalities you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your hotel

After lunch visit the following:

• The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
• National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
• Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
  The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
• Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

In the evening you may explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or Kisa villa or Thimphu Tower or Tara Phendeyling hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Short Acclimatization Hike to Tango Monastery,stay in Thimphu

Altitude at Tango Monastery:2850 m

After breakfast travel for about 25 minutes from Thimphu city towards the northern end of Thimphu valley, you will come to Dodena (2600m) which is the base camp of Tango Monastery which is located at about 14 km from Thimphu city.  Starting point of this nature & cultural hike is from the parking lot which is the end of motor road.  You will hike up to the Monastery following the zig-zag trail through the forest filled with oak and pine trees as well as rhododendron flower trees. Since this area falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park you will come across Gray Langur (monkeys) along the way and some bird species as well.

Hiking for about 40 minutes you will come to a Chorten (stupa). From here you have an excellent view of several meditation houses and the monastery straight ahead. Then hike up another 20 minutes to the monastery. The round trip hike is about 2.5 km and estimated hiking time is about 2 hours for a slow hiker.

The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area.

You may visit the monastery  and have interaction with monks.

Then take a slow walk back to the base of Tango Monastery from where you will drive back to Thimphu.

After lunch visit the following:

• Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
• Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Wed-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling centenary farmers’ market where farmers from neighboring areas come to sell their farm produces. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
• Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
• The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or Kisa villa or Thimphu Tower or Tara Phendeyling hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3:Thimphu-Hike through Lungchutse Nature Trail -Punakha,overnight at hotel in Punakha

Thimphu –Punakha :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr
Altitude at Dochula :3140 m

Altitude at Lungchutsey:3600 m

Altitude at Punakha :1300 m

After breakfast drive for about 35 minutes to Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Dochula Pass you will see the beautiful108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

After a refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria you will hike through Lungchutse nature trail to Lungchutse Lhakhang (temple) with some packed snacks & soft drinks which starts from 108 Druk Wangyel chortens (stupas) at Dochula Pass and meanders through the rhododendrons and coniferous tress covered with lichens (indication of clean air) along the yak herders’ trails until it reaches LungchuTse monastery, which looks over a deep valley and the peaks of the High Himalayan ranges. In the clear sky you will enjoy breathtakingly beautiful view of Himalayan Mountain Peaks.

The round trip hike to Lungchutse will take 4 hours.

After hiking back to Dochula. You will have late lunch at Dochula pass cafeteria. After late lunch continue your journey to Punakha valley.

On arrival at Punakha check into your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Zhingkham Resort or similar in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha Sightseeing & Punakha-Phobjikha, overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Distance: 68 km & estimated driving time: 2  hours

Altitude at Phobjikha :2900 m

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridgeand  through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there. The round trip hike will take about 2 hours.

Then walk over traditional Cantilever bridge to visit Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (high Drupa Kagyu lama who unified the warring valley kingdoms under a single rule in 16^th century) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.

Then walk further for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the  other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then travel to Phobjikha valley through Wangdue. Phobjikha valley is part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries.  Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes.  The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-herders. This is one of the most remote and untouched regions in Bhutan.

On arrival at Phobjikha check into your hotel.

Dinner and Overnight at Dewachen Resort or Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge or similar in Phobjikha valley.

Day 5: Phobjikha Lontey Hike,overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Altitude at Kayche La:3700 m

Altitude at Pelela pass : 3300m

After breakfast with packed picnic light lunch drive for about 25 minutes to Longtey village which is near Pelela pass ( altitude :3300 m) and then start your hike from Longtey Village up and over Kayche La (3700m) to Gangtey vilage. You will climb up gradually through the thickets of dwarf bamboos, birch, rhododendron, hemlock and fir to Kayche La, marked with some prayer flags. The other side of the pass is mostly meadows, and from here it is all downhill through the long and beautiful stretch of meadows and farms.  The walk takes around 4-5 hours in total.

Dinner and Overnight at Dewachen Resort or Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge or similar in Phobjikha valley.

Day 6: Phobjikha sightseeing & Phobjikha-Thimphu, overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Distance: 135 km & estimated driving time: 4  hours

Altitude at Thimphu :2300 m

After breaftast visit Gangtey Monastery.  From the Gangtey Monastery take a short hike downhill through meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into open valley. After passing a chorten ( Stupa) , your trail ends at Kinga Lhakhang ( temple). This hike will take approximately 50 minutes. Also visit the Black necked crane center. The cranes will start immigrating to this area by mid Novermber you will be able to spot black necked cranes. From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses.

After lunch travel to Thimphu through villages of Gogona, Nobding and through Wangdue Phodrang valley and finally through Dochula pass to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel or Thimphu tower hotel or similar in Thimphu.

Day 7: Hike to Phajoding Monastery & further to Thuje Drak lakes, overnight at Thimphu

Altitude at Thuje drak :4300 m

After early breakfast, with a packed picnic lunch drive for about 10 minutes to the staring point of the hike above the Takin Preserve at Mothithang in Thimphu.  A hike through nature to Phajoding Ghoenpa which is about 5 km distance and estimated trekking time is about 5 hours round trip.  It is one of the most interesting day hiking trails in Thimphu. The hike starts from the upper valley of Motithang-Thimphu just above the Takin Preserve with the gentle climbs through the forest of blue pine, rhododendrons (flowers will be in full bloom in April), oak and many other high altitude plants. The snake trail curves take you for about 2 hours uphill on the same slope before you take final left inclined up to a small stupa, which offers the best view of upper Thimphu valley. From here another hour hike up will take you to an open area where you can see few houses built at the base of Phajoding top.

Phajoding Ghoenpa is a large monastic complex with 10 temples and 15 monastic residences; many of them are being used for extended period of mediation and spiritual retreats.

It was founded in the 13ht century by Togden Pajo, a yogi from Tibet, who was searching for a place of meditation. Most of the temples were built in 1748 through the efforts of Shakya Rinchen, the 9^th Je Khenpo ( a chief abbot of Bhutan).

You will enjoy our packed picnic lunch here and take another 30 mins walk to Thujidrag Ghoenpa (monastery) from where we can see Thimphu valley and also you will enjoy panoramic view of Himalayan mountain ranges. Return back to the Monastery and visit the temple before descending down. Enjoy your time taking picture, walking around. Later in the afternoon you will retrace your walk back to hike start point from where we will be picked up by our car and drop at your hotel.

In the evening stroll through Thimphu city and you may visit local handicraft stores.

Dinner and overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu-Paro sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Paro

Thimphu-Paro :Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hours

Altitude at Paro :2200 m

After breakfast travel to Paro & visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will  walk back down to Rimpung Bridge. Also visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts  which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan

After lunch visit Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 7^th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

In the evening explore Paro town.

Dinner and Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro valley.

Day 9: Hike to Bumdrak Monastery & Explore Bumdrak, overnight in camping at Bumdrak

Altitude at Bumdrak:3900 m

After breakfast drive to Sangchoekor , Sangchen Chokor Monastery and visit the monastery and enjoy the good scenery surrounding that monastery. Sangchen Chokor monastery was built by Tulku Chogal sacha Tenzin in 1765. Sangchen Chokhor Densa (residence) means offerings of the relics to three realms.

Then hike to Bumdrak with packed pinic lunch. The trek starts in a forestry ridge where Bhutan's untouched nature is seen in all its beauty. After hiking for about 3 hours you will reach Chhoe Tse Lhakang temple which has a grand view of Paro valley and the snow-capped mountain ranges that surround Bhutan.

After an hour or 2  of crisscrossing in the forest, you will come to a open meadow with religious chortens and prayer flags which are the only sign of human influence in the untouched landscape.

From the meadow the Bumdrak monastery a short distance away.

After refreshment in the camp, relax with great view of Paro valley below after tiring day hike.

Dinner and overnight at camp at Bumdrak Monastery.

Day 10: Hike from Bumdrak to Paro via Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery),overnight at hotel in Paro

Altitude at Tiger Nest Monastery:3000 m

After breakfast you will explore Bumdrak and you will also visit Bumdrak monastery ( Bumdrak means Cave of Thousand Prayers).A legend has it that one hundred thousand angels descended and left footprints on a rock 800 years ago.

While at the same time enjoy breathtaking view from Bumdrak.

You can also hike further up to visit all pilgrim sites at Bumdrak.

Then hike back to Paro through the trekking trail leading to Taktsang monastery. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Then visit a farmhouse which offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can have traditional Bhutanese lunch and also you can try your hand at archery game using traditional bow and arrow made out of bamboo.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Tradtional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro.

Day 11:Fly out of Paro

After breakfast travel to Paro airport for your flight out of Paro.

 

Bhutan Travel Package Cost for the 10 Nights 11 Days Bhutan Tour 

Travel Time	1 pax	2 -3 pax	4 pax & above
Low Season:July, Aug ,Dec,Jan, Feb	USD2940/person	USD2240/person	USD2190/person
Regular Season:Mar,April,May,Jun, Sept,Oct & Nov	USD2990/person	USD2290/person	USD2240/person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

• Twin /double sharing hotel rooms at premium 3 star hotels
• All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments)  at 3 star hotels or local restaurants or farmhouses as per your preferences
• English speaking tour guide service
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• Mineral drinking water
• Tourist Tax (SDF) of US100/person/night
• Visa fee USD40 per person 
• Entrance fees to Museums & Monument

The above tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of USD 40/room/night (optional)
• Airfares
• Travel insurance (required)
• Accommodations and meals at luxury hotel accommodations and meals -4 star and 5 star (optional) 
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

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